MANILA – Public officials who induce another person to commit perjury may be held liable as principals in the crime and face perpetual absolute disqualification from public office, Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson said.

Lacson cited Article 8 of the Revised Penal Code, which provides that conspiracy exists when two or more persons agree to commit a felony and decide to carry it out.

“SUBORNATION OF PERJURY: a public official who induces another person to commit perjury may be treated as a principal under the conspiracy theory (Art 8 RPC) in the commission of the crime and shall also suffer an accessory penalty of perpetual absolute disqualification,” Lacson said in a post on X.

Under Article 17 of the Revised Penal Code, those who directly force or induce another person to commit a crime are considered principals.

Perjury is punishable by prision mayor in its minimum period under Article 183 of the Revised Penal Code, as amended by Republic Act No. 11594. The law also provides for a fine of up to P1 million.

Lacson said a public official found liable as a principal in perjury may likewise incur the accessory penalty of perpetual absolute disqualification from public office.

The senator earlier said he would file a bill seeking heavier penalties and fines for the subornation of perjury, which involves inducing or forcing another person to commit perjury.

His latest remarks came after he said detained Sen. Rodante Marcoleta and former Rep. Michael Defensor could face a complaint for allegedly inducing former Marine T/Sgt. Orly Guteza to give false testimony.

Lacson cited records of a Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing in September 2025, which he said showed Marcoleta prompting Guteza on what to say in his affidavit.

Guteza later recanted his earlier allegations, claiming that Marcoleta and Defensor had induced him to testify in exchange for money and scholarships for his children.

Lacson said complaints may be filed by the person directly prejudiced by the alleged perjury, or by the Department of Justice and the Office of the Ombudsman because of the public nature of the offense.